Catfish is not kosher according to Jewish dietary law. Not kosher. Catfish have no scales, which disqualifies them under the rule that a kosher fish must have both fins and scales (Leviticus 11:9-12).

What is the scientific name of Catfish?

The scientific name of Catfish is Siluriformes.

Does Catfish have fins and scales?

Catfish does not meet the requirement of having both fins and removable scales. Leviticus 11:9-12 requires fish to have both fins and scales to be considered kosher.

Can I eat Catfish sushi or sashimi?

No. Since Catfish is not kosher, it should not be consumed in any preparation, including sushi or sashimi.

What is Catfish called in Hebrew?

Catfish is known as שפמנון (שפמנון) in Hebrew.

Where can I find more information about whether Catfish is kosher?

KosherFish.co references the Orthodox Union (OU) and Chabad lists of kosher and non-kosher fish. For specific halachic questions, consult your local Orthodox rabbi.

Catfish

Siluriformes

Not Kosher

Has fins but no scales

Fins Yes

Scales No

Description

In the United States catfish is usually breaded with cornmeal and fried. Around the world it is also grilled or cooked in sauces, like the paprika dishes of Hungary.

Catfish live in fresh and brackish water on every continent except Antarctica, with more than half of all species in the Americas. Most prefer shallow, running water, and many are farmed, especially channel catfish in the U.S. South.

Also known as

Channel catfish
Blue catfish
Flathead catfish
Bullhead

Catfish in foreign languages

Scientific	Siluriformes
Hebrew	שפמנונאים
Arabic	سلوريات الشكل
Spanish	Bagre
Portuguese	Bagre
French	Poissons-chats
Italian	Siluriformi
German	Welsartige
Greek	Γατόψαρο
Russian	Сомообразные
Turkish	Kedi balığı
Chinese	鲇形目
Japanese	ナマズ目
Korean	메기목
Hindi	केटफिश
Bengali	মাগুর মাছ
Vietnamese	Bộ Cá da trơn
Thai	อันดับปลาหนัง

Warnings & Kosher Issues

Has fins but no scales, so it is not kosher. All catfish (order Siluriformes) lack scales and have either smooth or armor-plated skin (Leviticus 11:9-12).